Cover assembly for an in-floor fitting

ABSTRACT

A cover assembly is provided for preventing water infiltration into an in-floor receptacle fitting, such as a poke-thru fitting. The cover assembly includes a trim flange which overlies the fitting and is adapted to support at least one receptacle within the fitting. A cover plate is mounted on the trim flange includes access doors for selectively covering and exposing the receptacles. A first seal member is interposed between the cover plate and the trim flange for sealing against water infiltration therebetween. The first seal may be in the form of a planar gasket or O-ring. A second seal, in the form of at least one compressible gasket, extends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is adapted to be compressed between the trim flange and the surface of the floor. The cover plate may also include top and bottom portions and a third seal member interposed between the top and bottom portions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No.60/311,013, filed Aug. 8, 2001 and Provisional Application Ser. No.60/263,483, filed Jan. 23, 2001, and is a continuation-in-part ofapplication serial number U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/978,731,filed Oct. 15, 2001, now U.S. Pat No. 6,612,081.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In-floor fittings such as poke-thru fittings, after sets fittings, andpreset fittings are installed in concrete floors to provide electricalreceptacles and communication/data receptacles (or jacks) at desiredlocations in buildings. As a result, such fittings may be exposed towater, e.g. during carpet cleaning. It is desirable that such fittingsare designed to prevent moisture infiltration from above the floor. Inthis respect, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is proposing certificationstandards which will require such fittings to keep scrub water out ofthe portion of the fitting that houses the electrical outlet, e.g. thepower portion. Scrub water is a soap and water mixture that is typicallyused when cleaning carpets and other finished floor surfaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cover assembly is usable with a fitting of which is disposed in afloor and has an inner compartment accessible through an opening in theupper surface of the floor. The fitting is configured so that sourcecables can be routed into the inner compartment from a location belowthe upper surface of the floor. The cover assembly includes a firstportion which overlies the floor opening and is connectable to thefitting. The first portion may be in the form of a trim flange. Thefirst portion includes a central opening which overlies the flooropening to provide access to receptacles carried by the fitting. Thefirst portion may function as a mounting bracket for supportingreceptacles, such as power receptacles and/or a communications/datareceptacles. Alternatively, some or all of the receptacles may besupported by mounting brackets within the fitting itself. The coverassembly also includes a second portion which is mounted on the firstportion and which overlies the receptacles carried by the fitting. Thesecond portion includes access doors movable between closed positions toprevent access to the receptacles and open positions at which thereceptacles are exposed and accessible from above.

A first seal member is interposed between the cover assembly first andsecond portions and is adapted to seal against water infiltrationbetween the cover assembly first and second portions, and into thefitting. A second seal member interposed between the cover assemblyfirst portion and the floor and is adapted to seal against waterinfiltration between the cover assembly and the floor, and into thefitting.

The first seal member may include a planar gasket sandwiched between thecover assembly first and second portions. The first seal member includesa access openings which provides access to the receptacles. Ribs extendupwardly around the perimeters of the access openings and abut againstthe bottoms of the access doors when the doors are at their closedpositions. The interference fit between the ribs and the access doorsseals against water infiltration therebetween and into the fitting. Thefirst seal further includes a rib extending downwardly around theperimeter of the opening in the cover assembly first portion. The rib isconfigured to mate with a reciprocal groove formed in the cover assemblyfirst portion so as to seal against water infiltration between the firstseal member and the cover assembly first portion, and into the fitting.

The second seal member may include at least one compressible gasketextending around the perimeter of the floor opening. The gasket isadapted to be compressed between the cover assembly first portion andthe floor's surface when the first portion is connected to the fitting.The second seal member may include a pair of such compressible, annulargaskets extending around the floor opening. A first gasket is compressedbetween the cover assembly first portion and the concrete floor, and thesecond gasket is compressed between the cover assembly first portion andthe finished flooring, e.g., carpet or tile.

According to certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention,the cover assembly second portion is in the form of a cover plate whichincludes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a plurality of accessdoors slidably mounted between the top and bottom portions. A third sealis interposed between the top and bottom portions and is adapted to sealagainst water infiltration between the top and bottom portions. The sealmay be in the form of a compressible polymeric gasket and may beco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an in-floor fitting incorporating acover assembly according to certain aspects of an embodiment the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A—A of FIG. 1, showing thefitting has been installed in an opening in a concrete floor.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view along line B—B of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the cover assemblyillustrating an alternative power receptacle design.

FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom view of a cover plate from the coverassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of acommunication/data mounting bracket.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of a second embodiment of acommunication/data mounting bracket.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective illustrating a cover assemblyaccording to certain aspects of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a slide assembly of the cover assembly of FIG.9.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view along line A—A of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the cover assembly ofFIG. 9 installed on an in-floor fitting.

FIG. 13 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a top member and a sealmember from a cover plate assembly used in the cover assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded perspective view illustrating the manner inwhich access doors are connected to a bottom member in the coverassembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is an exploded top perspective view of the components shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a cover plate assemblyused in the cover assembly of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a water-tight cover assembly 2 for an in-floorfitting 10 generally includes a first portion in the form of a trimflange 3, a second portion in the form of a slide holder or cover plate4, a first or internal seal member 5, and a second or external sealmember 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover assembly 2 isdescribed in connection with a poke-thru fitting. It will beappreciated, however, that the cover assembly 2 could readily be adaptedfor use with other types of in-floor fittings, such as preset orafterset fittings as are used with in-floor raceway systems.

The poke-thru fitting 10 may be constructed generally in accordance withthe poke-thru fittings disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,078, whichissued Jan. 16, 2001 and is entitled “Flush Poke-thru Wiring FittingHaving A Height Adjustable Data Jack Mounting Bracket” (the “'078patent”) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/642,951, which wasfiled on Aug. 21, 2000 and is entitled “Quad Receptacle, Dual CircuitFlush Poke-thru Wiring Fitting With Internally MountableCommunication/Data Jacks,” (the “'951 application”). The disclosures ofthe '078 patent and the '951 application are hereby incorporated byreference.

The poke-thru fitting 10 is constructed for mounting in a fire-ratedfloor A of a building, such as a commercial office building. Morespecifically, the poke-thru fitting 10 may be installed in a circularopening B formed in floor A to activate a desired floor location. Inthis respect, the fitting is typically installed in a cored hole in aconcrete floor. It is adapted to be activated by connecting source powerservice and communication/data signal service cables, which areotherwise disposed in the plenum C below the floor A, to receptacles,such as power receptacles and communication/data receptacles,respectively, mounted internally in the poke-thru fitting 10. Thisenables above-floor power plugs and signal transferring devices to beconnected to the poke-thru fitting 10 and to thus transfer power andcommunication/data signals to equipment located on or above the floor A.

The poke-thru fitting 10 includes an insert 12 that is adapted to beinstalled in a floor opening B. The insert 12 includes an upper,generally cylindrical chamber or compartment 14, defined at the insert'supper end by a horizontally disposed top plate 16 and at its lower endby a horizontally disposed middle plate 18. (In the illustratedembodiment, the top plate 16 is generally defined by the trim flange 3).A receptacle barrier 20 divides the upper chamber 14 into a centralspace or portion 22, in which power receptacles 24 are disposed, and apair of radially outer, semi-annular side spaces or portions 26 in whichcommunication/data receptacles 28 are disposed.

In this respect, the fitting 10 has a plurality of communication/datareceptacles 28 that are adapted to be activated within the fitting 10 bycommunication/data signal cables 30. Terminals in the upper faces of thereceptacles 28 are accessible through access doors located in the coverplate 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 10 four RJ-45category 5 type jacks (e.g., receptacles). It will be appreciated,however, that the fitting could readily support other types ofcommunication/data receptacles, such as fiber optic jacks (see, e.g.,FIG. 8).

The fitting 10 also supports at least one power receptacle 24, which isadapted to be activated within the fitting 10 by source power cables 32.In the illustrated embodiment, the power receptacle 24 is in the form ofa duplex receptacle, which is configured to snap-mount into the trimflange 3, as is explained in greater detail below. Outlets in the powerreceptacle 24 may be wired in a single circuit or may be wired in a twoelectrically isolated circuits.

The receptacle barrier 20 physically separates and electrically isolatesthe connection between the power receptacle 24 and the power cables 32from the connection between the communication/data receptacles 28 andthe communication/data cables 30, so as to shield the communication/datacables 30, and their associated receptacles 28, from E.M.I. and/orR.F.I. emanating from the power cables 32. The receptacle barrier 20 isgenerally rectangular and includes a bottom wall 34, a pair of opposedside walls 36, a pair of opposed end walls 38, and a top opening whichdefine the central space 22. The side walls 36 extend across the upperchamber 14 like chords and serve to divide the central space 22 from theside spaces 26. The receptacle barrier 20 shields the central space 22,where the high-voltage power cables 32 are connected to the powerreceptacles 24, from the side spaces 26, where the communication/datacables 32 are connected to the communication/data receptacles 28. Anopening is formed in the bottom wall 34 for routing power cables 32 intothe central space 22. It will be appreciated that the number an mountinglocations of the receptacles 24, 28 within the fitting 10 can be variedwithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example,the communications/data receptacles 28 could be mounted in the centralspace 22 and the power receptacles 24 could be mounted in the sidespaces 26, as is shown in the aforementioned '951 application.

The receptacle barrier 20 may be formed of a dielectric material such aspolyvinyl chloride. The barrier 20 may also include E.M.I/R.F.I. shieldin the form a foil collector disposed on its side walls, as is generallydescribed in the aforementioned '078 patent. Alternatively the shieldmay be in the form of a metal jacket as is described in theaforementioned '951 application. The barrier is secured to the middleplate 18 by fasteners (not shown) which thread into reciprocal aperturesin the plate 18. The barrier 20 may be grounded to drain E.M.I. andR.F.I., which may be generated in insert 12, with respect to the upperchamber 14, as is shown and described in the '078 patent and the '951application.

Insert 12 further includes a fire stopping elements 50 as is known inthe art. Suitable fire stopping elements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,018,126 which issued to Castellani et al. on Jan. 25, 2000. The firestopping elements 50 comprise intumescent material such as hydratedsodium silicate, and they form an insulating barrier to controltemperature increases and retard the spread of flames. The elements 50further protect against heat and flame by forming a refractory char asthe temperature continues to rise. The details of the intumescentmaterial and more fully described in the Castellani '126 patent.

The fire stopping elements 50 define a central raceway 54 through whichthe power cables 32 are extendable, and two side raceways 58 throughwhich the communication/data cables 30 are extendable. The fire stoppingelements 50 are supported between the middle plate 18 and the bottomplate 44. The middle and bottom plates 18, 44 have openings which arealigned with the raceways 54 and 58 in the elements 50 to permit wiresto pass between the plenum C and the upper chamber 14.

The upper end of the EMT 46 may be connected to the bottom plate 44 forsecuring a conduit system thereto and for improving groundingcapability. A conventional junction box 60 may be connected to the lowerend of the EMT 46.

Insert 12 also includes a conventional annular retainer 62 which isdisposed adjacent the middle plate 18. The retainer 62 retains thepoke-thru fitting 10 in floor opening B. At least one fastener 63extends between and is connected between the middle and bottom plates 18and 44 for assisting in securing the fire stopping elements 50 betweenthe plates. As was mentioned above, the fastener 63 may also be used tosecure the barrier 20 in place and to facilitate grounding of thebarrier 20.

The cover assembly 2 is connected with the upper end of the insert 12,and aligns with and overlies the floor opening B. As was discussedabove, the cover assembly 2 includes a first portion in the form of trimflange or finish ring 3, a second portion in the form of cover plate 4,a first seal member 5, and a second seal member 6. The trim flange 3 maybe made of cast aluminum or brass, for example, and it is secured to theinsert 12 by fasteners 70. The fasteners 70 extend through the trimflange 3 and thread into reciprocal openings in legs 72 that extendupwardly from the middle plate 18. The trim flange 3 has a generallyplanar body portion 74 which overlies the floor opening B and an annularflange 76 which extends around the perimeter of the planar body portion74 and overlies the surface of the floor A. The trim flange 3 alsoincludes a central opening 80 that overlies the upper chamber 14 of theinsert. The central opening 80 is defined by a central portion 82 thatoverlies the central space 22 of the chamber 14 and two side portions 84that overly the side spaces 26 of the chamber 14. It will be appreciatedthat the portions 82, 84 of the central opening 80 could be formed bythree separate openings.

The central portion 82 of the opening 80 is sized to receive and supportthe power receptacle 24. The power receptacle 24 may be in the form of aduplex receptacle (as shown in FIG. 2). The power receptacle 24 has ahousing 88 which carries a pair of conventional electrical outlets 90 inits upper face. The outlets present blade openings 92 which are orientedfor receiving a conventional male electrical plug (not shown). Thehousing is preferably formed of plastic and configured to snap intoplace in the trim flange 3. In this respect, the power receptacle 24includes a pair of opposing locking tabs 98 that extend outwardly fromthe receptacle housing 88. The trim flange 3 is compressed between thetabs 98 and the top wall of the receptacle 24 when the receptacle isinserted downwardly into the trim flange 3. The power cables 32 extendinto the housing 88 and are interconnected with the receptacle 24 fordelivering power to the outlets 90, as is well known in the art. In thisrespect, the receptacle 24 may be pre-wired at the factory to reduce therequired on-site installation time.

Referring to FIG. 5, the power receptacle 24 may alternatively comprisea pair of simplex power receptacles 104 carried by a mounting bracket106. Suitable simplex receptacles are shown in the aforementioned '951application, and they are also used in the Model RC4 Poke-Thru Fittingas sold by Walker Systems, Inc. Each of the simplex receptacles 104 hasa generally square housing. The housing presents a pair of locking tabs10 similar to those provided on the duplex receptacle shown in FIG. 2.The locking tabs 110 allow the receptacles 104 to snap mount into themounting bracket 106. The mounting bracket 106 similarly includeslocking tabs 111 which allow it to snap mount in the trim flange.Alternatively, the mounting bracket could be connected to the trimflange 3 by a pair fasteners (not shown) which extend through themounting bracket 106 and thread into reciprocal openings (not shown) inthe trim flange 3.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, each of the side portions 84 of thecentral opening 80 is configured to support at least onecommunication/data receptacle 28. In the illustrated embodiment, eachside portion 28 supports a pair of the communication/data receptacles28. The communication/data receptacles 28 are carried by mountingbrackets 120, which are configured for mounting in the side portions 84.The mounting brackets 120 may be constructed generally in accordancewith those disclosed in the '078 patent.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 7 and 8, height-adjustable mountingbrackets 120 may be used so that data jacks of varying configurationscan be internally mounted in the fitting in a protected fashion, as isdisclosed in the '078 patent. The mounting brackets 120 may utilize atwo-piece construction consisting of a first portion 200 that is mountedin the trim flange 3 (at a fixed height) and a second portion 202 whichis height adjustable relative to the bracket first portion 200.

The bracket first portion 200 is adapted to be mounted within one of theside portions 84 of opening 80 so that the bracket first portion 200overlies a respective one of the side spaces 26 of the compartment 14.The bracket first portion 202 is generally U-shaped and includes a pairof opposed side walls 204 and an end wall 206 extending between the sidewalls. Flanges 208 extend outwardly from the top edges of the side walls204 and are positioned to overlay the edges of the side portion 84 andengage against the top of the trim flange 3 to support the bracket firstportion 200 above the side space 26 of the chamber 14. The top face ofthe trim flange 3 is recessed around the side portions 84 so that thetop wall 214 of the bracket first portion 200 fits substantially flushwith the top face of the planar body portion 74 of the flange 3.

Locking tabs 220 are formed in the side walls 204 of the bracket firstportion 200 for securing the mounting bracket 120 within the sideportion 84 of the central opening 80. As the mounting bracket 120 isinserted downwardly into the side opening 84, the lower edges of thelocking tabs 220 engage against the edges of the opening 80. Continueddownward pressure on the mounting bracket 120 biases the tabs 220inwardly to permit the bracket 120 to move downwardly into the opening80. The lower edges of the tabs 220 are beveled to ease insertion of thebracket 120 into the opening 80. Once the upper edges of the tabs 220extend past the lower face of the trim flange 3, the tabs 220 springoutwardly to lock the bracket 120 in place.

The bracket second portion 202 includes a top wall 222 and a pair ofdownwardly extending side walls 224. The mounting bracket second portion202 is adapted to receive and support at least one communication/datareceptacle 28 such that an upper terminal of the receptacle isaccessible through the cover plate 4 and a lower terminal of thereceptacle is contained within the chamber 14 for interconnection with acommunication/data cable.

The bracket second portion 202 is mountable in the bracket first portion200 in a height adjustable fashion, whereby the top wall 222 of thebracket second portion 202 may be varied relative to the top wall 214 ofthe bracket first portion. For this purpose, the top wall 222 extendsbeyond the edges of the side walls 224 to define a pair of outwardlyextending flanges or lips 226. Tabs 228 extending outwardly below theflanges 226 and define grooves 230 which are adapted to slidably engagewith reciprocal ribs 232 formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls204 of the bracket first portion 200. In the illustrated embodiments,the bracket first portion 202 includes an upper pair of opposed ribs 234and a lower pair of opposed ribs 236. When the bracket second portion202 is slid onto the upper ribs 234, the top wall 222 of the bracketsecond portion 202 is substantially flush with the top wall 214 of thebracket first portion 200. Conversely, when the bracket second portion202 is slid onto the lower ribs 236, the top wall 222 of the bracketsecond portion 202 is spaced below the top wall 214 of the bracket firstportion 200. In either position, an upper terminal of thecommunication/data receptacle 28 carried by the bracket 12 is accessiblethrough an associated one of the access doors on the cover plate 4,whereas the lower terminal of the receptacle 28 is positioned within theupper compartment 14 (and, more specifically, in one of the side spaces26) for interconnection to the appropriate service cable. In thismanner, communication/data receptacles 28 of varying heights can beinternally mounted in the fitting 10 in a protected fashion. As will beappreciated, the spacing between the upper and lower ribs 234, 236 isdependent upon the construction of the communication/data receptacles 28that are to be installed in the fitting. Moreover, additional pairs ofribs 232 could be formed on the bracket first portion 200 to accommodatemore than two different heights of receptacles 28.

By way of example, the mounting bracket 120 of FIG. 7 is configured tosupport a pair of RJ-45 Category 5 data receptacles or jacks 29 in aprotected fashion within the fitting 10. When installed, terminals 240in the top faces 242 of the jacks 29 are accessible through reciprocalopenings 244 formed in the top wall 222 of the bracket second portion202, whereas the terminal banks 248 in the lower ends of the jacks 29are contained within the compartment 14 for interconnection with thecommunication/data cable 30. (See FIG. 3). The mounting bracket secondportion 202 shown in FIG. 7 is commercially available from the Pass &Seymour of the LeGrand Corporation as a model 2A-U2 KEY connector, andis constructed to support a pair of Keystone data jacks that are alsocommercially available from Pass & Seymour. It will be appreciated,however, that the bracket second portion 202 can readily be configuredto accommodate variety of different commercially available data jacksincluding other RJ-XX series connectors, (such as the RJ-11 and RJ-12connectors), fiber optic connectors (see, e.g., FIG. 8), and co-axialconnectors.

The jacks 29 (shown in FIG. 7) are configured to snap into place in thebracket second portion 202. For this purpose each jack 29 includes apair of outwardly extending locking tabs 250, 252. At least one of thetabs 250, 252 is constructed such that it can be biased inwardly. Thejack 29 is installed by aligning it below one of the openings 244 in thetop wall 222 of the bracket second portion 202. The jack 29 is thenmoved upwardly until the top faces of the tabs 250, 252 engage againsttransverse legs 254, 256 that extend between the side walls 224.Continued upward movement of the jack 29 relative to the bracket secondportion 202 biases the tab 252 inwardly. Once the lower edges of thetabs 250, 252 move past the transverse legs 254, 256, the tab 252 snapsback outward to lock the jack 29 into place between the transverse legs254, 256 and the top wall 222 of the bracket second portion 202.

Once installed, the top face 242 of the jack 29 fits flush against thebottom face of the top wall 222. Upward movement of the jack 29 isrestricted upwardly by the interface between the jack 29 and the topwall 222, whereas downward movement is restricted by the interfacebetween the tabs 250, 252 and the transverse walls 254, 256. The jack 29is constrained laterally relative to the bracket second portion 202 bywalls 258 that extend downwardly from the top wall 222 on either side ofthe openings 244. Once the jacks 29 are installed into the bracketsecond portion 202, the bracket second portion 202 is slid into place onthe upper 234 ribs of the bracket first portion 200. The lower terminals248 of the jacks are then appropriately connected to thecommunications/data service cable 30 and the mounting bracket 120 isinstalled into place in one of the side portions 24 of the opening 80.With the bracket second portion 202 positioned on the upper ribs 234,the top faces 242 of communication/data jacks 29 fit substantially flushwith the top of the recess in the trim flange 3. The terminals 240 ofthe jacks 29 are accessible through the access doors in the cover plate4, whereas the lower terminals 248 are contained within the side space26 of the upper chamber 14.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment 120B of the mounting bracket, which isconfigured to support a pair of fiber optic receptacles (or jacks) 31 ina protected fashion within the fitting 10. The only difference from theembodiment of FIG. 7 is the construction of the bracket second portion202B, and, in particular, the interface between the bracket secondportion and the receptacles 31. In this embodiment, the top wall 222 ofthe bracket second portion 202B includes a pair of generally circularapertures 264 (one shown) which are sized to receive conventional fiberoptic receptacles 31. As will be appreciated, the size and shape of theapertures 264 is dependent on the specific fiber optic receptacle 31that is employed. (This embodiment is also well suited for use withco-axial jacks which are mounted to the bracket in a similar fashion.)The fiber optic receptacle 31 is installed in the bracket second portion202B by inserting its lower terminal 266 downwardly through the opening264 until an annular rib 268 formed on the receptacle abuts against thetop wall 222 of the bracket second portion 202B. The receptacle 31 issecured in place in the opening 264 by a nut 270 that threads onto thelower end of the receptacle 31. The bracket second portion 202B is thenslid into place on the lower ribs 236 of the bracket first portion 200.The lower ribs 236 are positioned such that the upper face 272 of thefiber optic receptacle 31 is substantially flush with the upper wall 214of the bracket first portion 200. Hence, when the bracket 120B isinstalled into the fitting 10, the upper edges of the fiber opticreceptacles 31 are recessed below the cover plate 4 and alignedsubstantially flush with the planar body portion 74 of the trim flange3. The upper terminal 274 of the jack 26 can be accessed through theappropriate access door in the slide holder 4. When the jack 26 is notin use, the access door is closed to protect the jack from dirt, floortraffic, etc. The lower terminal of the jack extends into the side space26 of the chamber 14 and is appropriately interconnected with fiberoptics service cable.

It will be appreciated that the mounting bracket 120 can take otherforms without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Forexample, as is shown in the '126 patent, the mounting bracket may be inthe form of a plate which is configured to mount in the trim flange 3and support at least one communication/data receptacle.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the cover plate 4 is generally circularand is sized to fit in a generally annular recess 300 formed in the topof the trim flange 3. A pair of fasteners 301 secure the cover plate tothe to the trim flange 3 and compress the internal gasket 5 to sealagainst water infiltration between these components. The cover plate 4includes a plurality of access doors 302 for selectively covering andexposing the receptacles 24, 28 carried by the fitting 10. In theillustrated embodiment, the cover plate 4 carries two power access doors304i a, 304 b and two communication/data access doors 306 a, 306 b. Eachof the power access doors 304 a, 304 b is associated with one of theoutlets 90 in the power receptacle 24 and is movable between an inner,closed position (see, e.g., door 304 a in FIG. 1) at which it overliesthe associated outlet to prevent access thereto and an outer, openposition (see, e.g. door 304 b in FIG. 1) at which the outlet is exposedand accessible from above the floor. Similarly, each of thecommunication/data access doors 306 a, 306 b is associated with a pairof the communication/data receptacles 28 and is movable between aninner, closed position (see, e.g., door 306 a in FIG. 1) at which itoverlies the associated communication/data receptacles 28 to preventaccess thereto and an outer, open position (see e.g. the door 306 b inFIG. 1) at which the associated communication/data receptacles 28 areexposed and accessible from above the floor. As can be seen in theenlarged view in FIG. 1, the communications openings in the cover plate4 may include recesses 307 to provide finger access for ease of removalof communications plugs (not shown) from the communication/datareceptacles 28 carried by the fitting. It will be appreciated, thatindividual access doors could be provided for each of thecommunication/data receptacles 28. Similarly, a single access door couldbe provided for both of the outlets 90 in the power receptacle.

Preferably the access doors 302 are slidably connected to the coverplate 4 for movement between their open and closed positions. For thispurpose, the access doors 302 present outwardly extending flanges orlegs 314 which are configured to slidably engage in reciprocal groovesor slots 316 formed in the cover plate 4. Locking tabs 318 may beprovided for retaining the access doors within the slots 316. In theillustrated embodiment, locking tabs 318 are formed on the side edge ofthe communication/data access doors 306. The power access doors 304 mayinclude similar locking tabs, or they may, for example, include lockingpins 320 in their bottom faces which align and mate with reciprocalslots 322 in the cover plate 4. The interface between the pin 320 andthe slot 322 retains the access door 304 in the cover plate and alsoserves to limit its travel between its inner/closed position and itsouter/open position.

Blade openings 321 in the cover plate 4 align with corresponding bladereceiving opening 92 in the outlets 90. When a power access door 304 ismoved to its open position, the outlet associated with that door isexposed through the openings 321 in the cover plate 4 to permit anelectrical plug (not shown) to be connected to the outlet for activationof above floor power services. The power access doors 304 are biased totheir closed positions, e.g., by springs 325, such that theyautomatically close when a plug is removed.

Preferably the cover plate 4 and the power receptacle 24 are constructedso that they can only be mounted in the trim flange 3 in oneorientation. This is done to ensure that the blade openings 321 in thecover plate 4 align the blade openings 92 of the power outlets 90. Forexample, the trim flange 3 may include a boss 324 (see FIGS. 2 and 5)configured to align with a reciprocal slot 326 (see FIG. 6) in the coverplate 4 to ensure proper orientation of these two components. Similarly,the power receptacle 24 may include a protrusion or tab 328 which isconfigured to mate with a reciprocal groove or recess 330 in the edge ofthe central opening 80, so as to fix the orientation of the receptacle24 relative to the trim flange 3.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the first and second seal members 5, 6prevent moisture from infiltrating the inner compartment of the fitting10. The first, or internal seal member 5 is in the form of a generallyplanar gasket 339. The gasket 339 is interposed or sandwiched betweenthe cover plate 4 and the trim flange 3. The first seal member 5 is madeout of a material such as santoprene or silicon, which can be injectionmolded or press molded. The first seal member 5 has a plurality ofaccess openings 340. The access openings 340 overlie the receptacles 24,28 to provide access to the receptacles through the cover plate 4. Inparticular, the first seal member 5 includes a pair of power accessopenings 342 a, 342 b, each of which overlies one of the outlets 90 inthe power receptacle 24. The first seal member also includes a pair ofcommunication/data access openings 344 a, 344 b, each of which overliesa pair of the communication/data receptacles 28. It will be appreciatedthat separate communication/data access openings 344 could be providedfor each of the communication/data receptacles 28. Moreover, the accessopenings for the power receptacles 24 could be in the form of slitswhich overlay the blade openings 92 in the receptacle, as is generallyshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,153. Ribs 346 extend upwardly around theperimeter of the access openings 340 and wrap around the receptacles 24,28. Each of the ribs 346 is positioned to engage against the bottom faceof a respective access door 302 when the door is at closed position soas to seal against water infiltration into the fitting.

As will be appreciated the ribs 346 could be eliminated by forming theseal 5 with a planar top face that extends above the top faces of thereceptacles. However, the ribs 346 provide the added benefit of reducingthe force required to open and close the slide-mounted access doors 302.This is because the ribs 346 minimize the surface area of the first sealmember 5 that contacts the underside of the doors 302, while stillproviding an adequate seal against the doors 302. Reducing the surfacearea of the contact between the first seal member 5 and the access doors302 results in a corresponding reduction in the friction between theunderside of a given door and the first seal member as the door is movedbetween its open and closed position. This also reduces the spring forcerequirements for closing the slide-mounted access doors 302. Thematerial used to form the gasket 339 can be impregnated with a lubricantto enhance the lubricity of the gasket 339, which is beneficial forfurther reducing the friction between the ribs 346 and the slide-mountedaccess doors 302.

The first seal member 5 also has a second rib 360 or bead extendingdownwardly from its bottom face. (See FIG. 3). The second rib 360 issized and positioned to extend around the perimeter of the centralopening 80 in the trim flange 3, and, hence, around the perimeter of thereceptacles 24, 28. The second rib 360 seats in a reciprocal annulargroove 362 formed in the upper face of the trim flange 3. This rib 360provides a watertight seal between the trim flange 3 and the first sealmember 5 independent of a clamping pressure applied by the fasteners301. As a result, fewer fasteners are needed to secure the cover plate 4to the trim flange 3. The groove 362 in the trim flange 3 is sized toform an interference fit the second rib 360, so as to prevent moistureinfiltration between the cover plate 4 and the trim flange 3 and intothe internal compartment 14 of the fitting 10. It will be appreciatedthat the second rib 360 could alternatively be formed of a plurality ofribs, each of which surrounds one or more of the receptacles 24, 28.

Referring to FIG. 4, a boss 370 on the bottom face of the cover plate 4penetrates through the first seal 5 and creates a positive stop betweenthe cover plate 4 and the flange 3. The boss 370 may, as is illustrated,be formed concentrically with the mounting screw aperture 372 in thecover plate. The boss creates a stepped area 374, which compresses thefirst seal member 5 sufficiently to prevent water infiltration into thefitting 10. The boss 370 also prevents the cover plate 4 from bowing,thereby ensuring proper operation of the access doors. As can also beseen in FIG. 4, the screw aperture 372 in the cover plate 5 includes araised inner ridge 376, which creates a positive water stop when a screwis tightened down onto it.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second seal member 6 includes atleast one compressible annular gasket which extends around the perimeterof the floor opening and is compressed between the trim flange 3 and thefloor to provide a watertight seal which prevents water from leakinginto the fitting. Preferably the second seal includes a first, innergasket 380, which is sized such that it is compressed between the flange3 and the main floor A, and a second, outer gasket 382, which is sizedsuch that it is compressed between the finished floor 384 and the flange3. The gaskets 380, 382 are constructed of a compressible foam materialand are attached to the underside of the flange 3, e.g., by adhesive.The gaskets 380, 382 permit the flange 3 to be used with a variety offinished floor materials, including both carpet an tile. In thisrespect, the outer gasket 382 is thinner than the inner gasket 380. Whenthe flange 3 is installed over a tile floor, the outer gasket 382 willbe compressed between the flange 3 and the tile to seal against waterinfiltration. In such applications, the inner gasket 380 may or may notbe compressed against the main floor. By contrast, in carpetapplication, the primary sealing function will be provided by the ininner gasket 380.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-16 a cover assembly 402 according to certainaspects of a second embodiment of the present invention includes a firstportion in the form of a trim flange 403, a second portion in the formof a slide holder or cover plate 404, a first or internal seal member405, a second or external seal member 406 (see FIG. 12) and a third sealmember 408.

The construction of the trim flange 403 is generally the same as thetrim flange 3, and, therefore, it will not be described in detail. Thetrim flange 403 includes a central opening 410 that overlies the upperchamber 14 of the fitting 10. The central opening 410 is defined by acentral portion 412 that overlies the central space 22 of the chamber 14and two side portions 414 that overly the side spaces 26 of the chamber14. The central portion 412 of the opening 410 is sized to receive andsupport the power receptacle 24, whereas each side portion 414 is sizedto receive and support at least one communication/data receptacle 28 ingenerally the same manner as was described above. Fasteners 413 extendthrough apertured flanges 415 on the power receptacle 24 and thread intoreciprocal openings 416 in the trim flange 3 for securing the powerreceptacle 24 to the trim flange. The communication/data receptacles 28include mounting brackets 417 that are configured to snap into the trimflange 3, as was described above. Each mounting bracket 417 carries onecommunication/data receptacle in the illustrated embodiment. It will beappreciated, however, that, as was described above, multiplecommunication/data receptacles 28 could be carried by each of themounting brackets 417. Fasteners 418 extend through openings 420 in thetrim flange and thread into reciprocal openings in the fitting forsecuring the trim flange to the in-floor fitting, in generally the samemanner as was described above.

The cover plate 404 includes a top portion 419, the third seal member(or cover plate seal member) 408, a plurality of access doors 422, and abottom portion 424. The top portion 419, bottom portion 424, and accessdoors 422 are preferably molded from a relatively rigid polymericmaterial, such as PVC. The third gasket 408 is preferably formed of aflexible polymer, such as silicon, and is preferably co-molded witheither the top portion 418 or bottom portion 424.

The access doors 422 are slidably mounted between the top and bottomportions 418, 424 for selectively covering and exposing the receptacles24, 28 carried by the fitting 10. In the illustrated embodiment, thecover plate 404 carries two power access doors 426 and twocommunication/data access doors 428. Each of the power access doors 426is associated with one of the outlets in the receptacle 24 and ismovable between an inner, closed position at which it overlies theassociated outlet to prevent access thereto, and an outer, open positionat which the outlet is exposed and accessible from above the floor. Itwill be appreciated that a single access door could alternately beprovided for both of the outlets in the power receptacle 24. Each of thecommunication/data access doors 428 is associated with one of thecommunication/data receptacles 28 and is movable between an inner,closed position at which it overlies the associated receptacle 28 toprevent access thereto and an outer, open position at which theassociated communication/data receptacle is exposed and accessible fromabove the floor.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 9, 14 and 15, fingers 430 formed on bottomfaces of the access doors 422 are configured to mate with reciprocalslots or grooves 432 formed in the bottom portion 424 for slidablyconnecting the access doors to the bottom portion. Each door may furtherinclude a longitudinally extending rib or leg 434 (or a plurality ofsuch legs). The legs 434 are configured to engage with reciprocalgrooves or tracks 435 formed in the top face of bottom portion 424.Springs 436 are provided for biasing the power access doors 426 to theirclosed positions. Each spring 436 extends between a post 438 formed onthe bottom of an associated power access door 426 and a post 440 formedon the top face of the bottom portion 424. The legs 434 on the bottom ofthe power access doors 428 are separated by a channel 442, which isconfigured to house the spring 436. It will be appreciated that,although not shown, the communication/data access doors 428 could alsobe spring biased.

Referring to FIG. 13 and 16, the third seal member 408 is in the form ofa gasket 444 that is interposed between the top and bottom portions 419,424 of the cover plate 404. The gasket 444 is preferably in the form ofa flexible polymeric gasket that is co-molded with either the top orbottom portion of the cover plate 404. In the illustrated embodiment,the gasket 444 is co-molded with the top portion 419 of the cover plate.

Snap fingers 450 formed on the bottom face of the top portion 419 areconfigured to mate with reciprocal openings 452 in the bottom portion424 for securing the top and bottom portions together. It will beappreciated that other means, such as threaded fasteners, could also beused to secure the top and bottom portions 419, 424 together.

The top portion 419 and co-molded gasket 444 include respective openings454, 456 for receiving the access doors 422. The access doors 422include outwardly extending flanges 458 that underlie the edges of theopenings 454, 456 when the top portion 419, with its co-molded gasket444, are secured to the bottom portion 424. When the top portion 419 isconnected to the bottom portion, the co-molded gasket 444 compressesagainst the flanges 458 on the access doors to seal around the accessdoors.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 16, the third seal member 408 isgenerally coextensive with the top portion 419, except where the topportion includes pads 460 of increased thickness. When the top portion419 is secured to the bottom portion 424, the pads 460 engage againstthe top face of the bottom portion 424. The pads 460 are sized inthickness to ensure proper compression of gasket 408 against the flanges458 of the access doors 422.

The pads 460 include cut out sections 462. When the gasket 444 isco-molded to the top portion 419, the gasket material flows into the cutout sections 462. The cut out sections 462 increases the area of surfacecontact between the gasket 444 and the top portion 419, thereby addingthe integrity of the co-molded bond between these components.

The cover plate 404 is secured to the trim flange 403 by fasteners 468(see FIG. 9) that extend through the cover plate and thread intoreciprocal apertures in the trim flange. The top portion 419, co-moldedgasket 444 and bottom portion 424 include respective apertures 472, 474,476 for allowing the fasteners 468 to extend through the cover plate404. The apertures 474 in the gasket 444 are of a reduced diameter, soas to seal against moisture infiltration around the fasteners 468.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 12, the first seal member 405 includes abead seal or O-ring configured to mate with a reciprocal groove 480formed in the top face of the trim flange 403 around the perimeter ofthe central opening 410. The first seal member 405 is compressed betweenthe cover plate 404 and the trim flange 403 to prevent water fromentering the clearance opening between the cover plate 404 and the trimflange 403. As will be appreciated, the first seal member 405 could takeother forms while still performing this function. For example, the firstseal could be in the form of a planar gasket with a downwardly extendingannular bead or rib, as is shown above in the first seal member 5. Inaddition, it will be appreciated that the cover plate 404 could includean annular groove in its bottom face for receiving a portion of thefirst seal member 405.

The second seal member 406 is of the same general construction as thesecond seal member 5 described above. In particular, the second sealmember 406 includes at least one compressible annular gasket 482 whichextends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is compressedbetween the trim flange 403 and the floor to provide a watertight sealbetween the trim flange and the floor. (See FIG. 12) As was describedabove, the second seal member may include a first, inner gasket which issized such that it is compressed between the flange 3 and the main floorA, and a second, outer gasket which is sized such that it is compressedbetween the finished floor 384 and the flange 3.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be understood, ofcourse, that the invention is not limited thereto since modificationsmay be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of theforegoing teachings. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claimsto cover such modifications as incorporate those features which comewithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A cover assembly for use with a fitting of the type which is disposedin a floor and has an inner compartment accessible through an opening inthe upper surface of the floor, the fitting being configured so thatsource cables can be routed into the inner compartment from a locationbelow the upper surface of the floor, the cover assembly comprising: amounting bracket connectable to the fitting at a location which overliesthe floor opening, the mounting bracket being adapted to support atleast one receptacle within the fitting such that the receptacle can beinterconnected with a source cable within the inner compartment and canbe interconnected from above the floor with a connector; a cover plateconnected to the mounting bracket and overlying the electricalreceptacle, the cover plate having an access door movable between afirst position at which the door overlies the receptacle to preventaccess thereto and a second position at which the receptacle is exposedand accessible through the cover plate; a first seal member interposedbetween the mounting bracket and the cover plate and being adapted toseal against water infiltration between the mounting bracket and thecover plate and into the fitting; and a second seal member directlyabutting the upper surface of the floor, said second seal memberinterposed between the mounting bracket and the upper surface of thefloor and being adapted to seal against water infiltration between themounting bracket and the floor and into the fitting.
 2. A cover assemblyas set forth in claim 1, wherein the first seal member overlies thereceptacle and at least the portion of the mounting bracket adjacent toand surrounding the perimeter of the receptacle, the first seal memberincluding an access opening which provides access to the receptacle, anupwardly extending rib formed around the perimeter of the access openingand being positioned to abut with the access door when the access dooris at its closed position so as to seal against water infiltrationbetween the rib and the door, and a downwardly extending rib configuredto mate with a reciprocal groove formed in the mounting bracket aroundthe perimeter of the receptacle so as to seal against water infiltrationbetween the first seal member and the mounting bracket.
 3. A coverassembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second seal membercomprises at least one gasket extending around the perimeter of thefloor opening and being adapted to be compressed between the mountingbracket and the upper surface of the floor when the mounting bracket isconnected to the fitting.
 4. An access cover as set forth in claim 1,wherein the access door is slidably connected to the cover plate formovement between its first and second positions.
 5. An access cover asset forth in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to supportat least one power receptacle.
 6. An access cover as set forth in claim1, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to support at least onecommunication/data receptacle.
 7. An access cover as set forth in claim1, wherein the first seal comprises, a bead seal configured to mate witha reciprocal groove formed in the mounting bracket.
 8. An access coveras set forth in claim 1, wherein the cover plate includes a top portion,a bottom portion, a plurality of access doors slidably mounted betweenthe top and bottom portions, and a third seal interposed between the topand bottom portions and being adapted to seal against water infiltrationbetween the top and bottom portions.
 9. An access cover as set forth inclaim 8, wherein the third seal is co-molded with one of the top andbottom portions.
 10. An access cover as set forth in claim 9, whereinthe third seal is formed of a compressible polymeric material that isco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions.
 11. An access coveras set forth in claim 10, wherein the third seal member is co-moldedwith the top portion and is configured to seal around the access doors.12. In a fitting which is adapted to be mounted in a floor and supportat least one receptacle such that the receptacle can be connected withcables which enter the fitting from below the surface of the floor andcan be connected from above the floor with a connector which enters thefitting through an opening in the surface of the floor, a cover assemblycomprising: a trim flange mounted on the surface of the floor andoverlying the floor opening, the trim flange including an opening whichprovides access to the receptacle; a cover plate mounted on the trimflange and overlying the receptacle, the cover plate having an accessdoor movable between a first position at which the door overlies thereceptacle to prevent access thereto and a second position at which thereceptacle is exposed and accessible through the cover plate; a firstseal member interposed between the trim flange and the cover plate andbeing adapted to seal against moisture infiltration between the trimflange and the cover plate, the first seal member including an openingwhich overlies the receptacle to provide access thereto and an upwardlyextending rib formed around the perimeter of the opening in the firstseal member, the upwardly extending rib being positioned to abut withthe access door when the access door is at its closed position so as toseal against water infiltration therebetween, the first seal member alsoincluding a downwardly extending rib which is configured to mate with areciprocal groove formed in the trim flange around the perimeter of thereceptacle so as to seal against water infiltration between the firstseal member and the trim flange; and a second seal member disposedbetween the trim flange and the floor and which is adapted to sealagainst water infiltration between the trim flange and the floor andinto the fitting.
 13. A cover assembly as set forth in claim 12, whereinthe second seal member comprises at least one gasket which extendsaround the perimeter of the floor opening and is compressed between thefloor and the trim flange.
 14. A cover assembly as set forth in claim13, wherein the trim flange is securable to the floor fitting andwherein the at least one gasket is configured to be compressed betweentrim flange and floor when the trim flange is scoured to the floorfitting.
 15. An access cover as set forth in claim 12, wherein the trimflange is constructed to function as a mounting bracket for supportingthe receptacle within the fitting.
 16. An access cover as set forth inclaim 12, wherein the access door is slidably connected to the coverplate for movement between its first and second positions.
 17. An accesscover as set forth in claim 12, wherein the receptacle is a powerreceptacle.
 18. An access cover as set forth in claim 12, wherein thereceptacle is a communications/data receptacle.
 19. An in-floor fittingof the type which is disposed in a floor and has an inner compartmentaccessible through an opening in the upper surface of the floor, thefitting being configured so that power cables and communication/datasignal cables can be routed into the inner compartment from a locationbelow the upper surface of the floor; the fitting comprising: a powerreceptacle mounted in the fitting such that it can be interconnectedwith a source power cable within the inner compartment of the fittingand can be interconnected from above the floor with an power connector;a communication/data receptacle mounted in the fitting such that it canbe interconnected with a source communication/data signal cable withinthe inner compartment of the fitting and can be interconnected fromabove the floor with an communication/data connector; a cover assemblyoverlying the floor opening and the receptacles, the cover assemblyhaving a first access door which is movable between a closed position atwhich it overlies the power receptacle to prevent access thereto and anopen position at which the power receptacle is exposed and accessiblefrom above the floor, the cover assembly also having a second accessdoor which is movable between a closed position at which it overlies thecommunication/data receptacle to prevent access thereto and a secondposition at which the communication/data receptacle is exposed andaccessible from above the floor; a first seal member interposed coverassembly and the receptacles, the first seal having a first openingwhich overlies the power receptacle to provide access thereto and asecond opening which overlies the communication/data receptacle toprovide access thereto, the first seal having a portion which extendsupwardly around the perimeter of the first opening and engages againstthe first access door when the first access door is at its closedposition so as to seal against water infiltration into the fitting, thefirst seal having a second portion which extends upwardly around theperimeter of the second opening and engages against the second accessdoor when the second access door is at its closed position so as to sealagainst water infiltration into the fitting.
 20. A fitting as set forthin claim 19, further comprising: a second seal member disposed betweenthe cover assembly and the floor, the second seal member extendingaround the circumference of the floor opening to seal against waterinfiltration into the fitting.
 21. A fitting as set forth in claim 19,wherein the portion of the first seal member which extends upwardlyaround the first and second openings comprise ribs.
 22. A fitting as setforth in claim 19, wherein the cover assembly comprises: a trim flangeoverlying the floor opening and including a center opening whichprovides access to the receptacles; a cover plate which carries thefirst and second access doors and is mounted on the trim flange; andwherein the first seal is interposed between the trim flange and thecover plate.
 23. A fitting as forth in claim 22, wherein the first sealincludes a downwardly extending rib which extends around the receptaclesand mates with a reciprocal groove formed in the trim flange.
 24. Afitting as set forth in claim 22, wherein the access doors are slidablyconnected to the cover plate for movement between their open and closedpositions.
 25. A fitting as set forth in claim 22, wherein the trimflange is adapted to support the power and communication/datareceptacles within the fitting.
 26. A cover assembly for a flushpoke-thru wiring fitting of the type which is adapted to be supported ina floor opening in a floor of a building structure, the cover assemblycomprising: a first portion connectable to the fitting, the firstportion having a generally planar body which overlies the floor openingand a flange which extends around the perimeter of the planar body andoverlies the surface of the floor, the body of the first portionincluding an opening which provides access to at least one powerreceptacle and at least one communication/data receptacle; a secondportion mountable on the first portion and overlying the opening in thefirst portion, the second portion having a plurality of access doorsslidably connected thereto, each of the access doors being associatedwith a different one of the power and signal receptacles, and beingmovable between a first position at which it overlies the associatedreceptacle and a second position at which the associated receptacle isexposed and accessible from above the floor; a first seal interposedbetween the first and second portions and being adapted to seal againstwater infiltration therebetween, the first seal including a plurality ofopenings which provide access to the receptacles, the first seal furtherincluding a plurality of upwardly extending ribs which extend around theperimeters of the openings, the ribs being positioned to engage againstthe access doors when the doors are in their closed positions to sealagainst water infiltration therebetween, the first seal furtherincluding a downwardly extending rib which is configured to mate with areciprocal groove formed in the first portion around the perimeter ofits central opening so as to seal against water infiltrationtherebetween; and a second seal disposed between the flange of the firstportion and the floor, the second seal extending around thecircumference of the floor opening to seal against water infiltrationinto the floor fitting.
 27. A cover assembly as set forth in claim 26,wherein the central opening in the first portion is adapted to supportat least one power receptacle and at least one communication/datareceptacle within the chamber such that the receptacles can be connectedwith source cables within the chamber and can be selectively connectedto above floor power and communication/data connectors, respectively.28. In a fitting a cover assembly comprising: a bottom portion connectedto the fitting at a location which overlies the floor opening; a topportion connected to the bottom portion; at least one access doorslidably mounted between the top and bottom portions for movementbetween a first position at which it overlies the at least onereceptacle and a second position at which the at least one receptacle isexposed and accessible through the floor opening; and a seal memberco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions and being adapted toseal against water infiltration between the top and bottom portions. 29.A cover assembly as set forth in claim 28, wherein the seal member isformed of a compressible polymeric material that is co-molded with oneof the top and bottom portions.
 30. An access cover as set forth inclaim 28, wherein seal member adapted to seal around the access doors.31. In a fitting which is adapted to be mounted in a floor and supportat least one power receptacle such that the receptacle can be connectedwith source power cables which enter the fitting from below the surfaceof the floor and can be connected from above the floor with a powerconnector which enters the fitting through an opening in the surface ofthe floor, a cover assembly comprising: a trim flange mounted on thesurface of the floor and overlying floor opening, the trim flangeincluding an opening which provides access to the electrical receptacle;a cover plate mounted on the trim flange and overlying the electricalreceptacle, the cover plate including a top portion, a bottom portionconnected top portion, an access door slidably mounted between the topand bottom portions for movement between a first position at which itoverlies the receptacle and a second position at which the receptacle isexposed and accessible through the floor opening, and a cover plate sealmember disposed between the top and bottom portions and being adapted toseal against water infiltration between the top and bottom portions; aninner seal member interposed between the trim flange and the cover plateand being adapted to seal against moisture infiltration between the trimflange and the cover plate; an outer seal member disposed between thetrim flange and the floor and which is adapted to seal against waterinfiltration between the trim flange and the floor.
 32. An access coveras set forth in claim 31, wherein the cover plate seal member isco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions.
 33. An access coveras set forth in claim 31, wherein the cover plate seal member isco-molded with the top portion and is configured to seal around theaccess doors.